Ruger Alaskan info please

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Hi guys, Im very close to pulling the trigger on a new redhawk alaskan 44mag...excuse the pun.. I wanted to know from some people who own or have shoot this little hand cannon what there thoughts and concerns are. I live in Montana and will be using this as a second resort to bear spray and good luck.. Okay but seriously any input and info would help my decision. Thanks guys!!

I have had an Alaskan since September. It is a great well built weapon but I have real problems with accuracy. I'm sure it's me and I am getting better with it at 25 feet. Beyond that I can't hit much with it! I loaded up some milder loads and it is a pleasure to shoot. Even with full power loads it is less punishing than my 4" S&W 629. As long as the bear is within 25 feet I'll be fine......................................

I have had an Alaskan since September. It is a great well built weapon but I have real problems with accuracy. I'm sure it's me and I am getting better with it at 25 feet. Beyond that I can't hit much with it! I loaded up some milder loads and it is a pleasure to shoot. Even with full power loads it is less punishing than my 4" S&W 629. As long as the bear is within 25 feet I'll be fine......................................

Well shoot, I'm worried about accuracy as well. I don't wanna practice with the light stuff so i can get used to the hot stuff. but i agree..it looks like a finely built pistol.

. . . I wanted to know from some people who own or have shoot this little hand cannon what there thoughts and concerns are. . .

I don't have "any concerns". Other than the fact that factory ammo is expensive. VERY expensive. Good stuff is close to $2 a throw.
I bought mine used at a local gun store. In .454 Casull. Already Magna-Ported, and with a Trijicon front night sight.
It was traded in on a .44 Magnum by a guy who moved here from Alaska. An actual "Alaskan". Who felt he didn't need that much go-power "here".

I already had guns in .45 Long Colt, so the .454 Casull was a natural since .454 is just a lengthened (and strengthened) .45 LC case.
In this 44 oz. gun, .45 LC is a real pussy-cat. And, I don't think full-power .454 Casull loads are really that big a deal. The gun's Hogue "Tamer" grips are a big plus.

It is my mountain wilderness hiking gun. In an OWB Galco leather holster with retention strap. J719 WC, DA0186. Works great. You need a "real strong belt".
With Win. Partition Gold 260 grain hunting cartridges. If it walks in North America, I have it "covered". Is it overkill for Lion/Black Bear? Yes, but I like it that way. YMMV.